The first question to answer is that of whether or not to mount a trolling motor to a kayak. For the sake of keeping hands free during a fishing session, a motor is not needed.
For the sake of fitness, it might be better to consider a leg-powered kayak propulsion method instead of an electric motor option.
A pedal kayak (which has pedals like a bicycle and moves the kayak at around 5 mph) is less expensive than a motor-equipped kayak and moves just as fast.
You’ll enjoy the benefits of fitness without stressing your body too much, carrying a heavy battery and motor, and you’ll still be fishing hands-free.
Because I love fitness, I prefer to use my leg-powered pedal kayak (to turn the propeller) instead of replacing the pedal mechanism with an electric motor that turns the propeller.
Having said that, trolling motors are rising in popularity…
Can I Put a Trolling Motor on a Kayak?
A trolling motor can be easily attached to many kayak styles and brands (though not all). Many kayak manufacturers even make a trolling motor mount for their sit-on and some sit-in models.
The mounts usually are located just to the stern of the main seat. Other brands offer a drop-in style of motor mount between the paddler’s feet.
Having said this, there are also many styles of kayak that do not offer an easy solution to mount a trolling motor. Some of these styles (like whitewater models) make a trolling motor unnecessary and nonsensical.
Other styles are simply designed in such a way as to make it very difficult and even dangerous to attach a motor because of the other very specific qualities of the kayak (ie. sea kayaks and lake expedition kayaks – they are too narrow with a covered and arched deck along the entire length).
Without question, the best type of kayak on which to mount an electric motor is a fishing kayak because of its exceptional stability features, battery storage options, and open deck.
How to Mount a Trolling Motor on a Kayak
Mounting a trolling motor on a kayak is a very simple process, but only if the proper hardware and accessories are used. There are three typical methods of mounting a motor on a kayak. Firstly, it can be mounted directly on the stern (with a proper motor mount).
Secondly, it can be mounted on a motor mount just behind the seat and protruding over the water a few inches, and thirdly, it can be placed in a hole/well between the legs of the paddler.
Every mounting technique will be based mostly on the style of your kayak.
1 – Stern/Transom Mount
A stern mount or transom mount motor can be either a standard electric motor with a motor head and control arm, etc. (like a Minn Kota C3 or Endura ) or an invisible, fully (or almost fully) submerged model like the one pictured below.
In any case, with a stern-mounted (transom) motor, you’ll need some way of operating it. Common operation mechanisms included a hand-controlled steering cable or a steering pole that connects to the motor’s shaft and can steer easily from the paddler’s seated position.
This style is the least convenient because you still need a way to control the power and speed. With a transom-mounted Minn-Kota traditional motor, you’ll need to be able to reach the steering handle to operate the power and speed controls.
2 – Side Mount
This method is probably the most common mounting method and many kayak manufacturers make mounts that accommodate trolling motors using this method.
A bar is typically mounted to the kayak body just behind the main seat, and on one end of the bar is situated a flat piece of some material that is designed to allow a standard electric trolling motor to attach to, and hang from it conveniently.
This mount style is more convenient to operate than a transom mount and it’s especially appropriate for any angler who would like to mount and remove the motor for use on another craft, or to use the kayak without a motor easily.
3 – Center Mount
I’m not sure exactly what to call this, but it’s a system whereby the motor can be mounted conveniently in front of the operator. It is most often mounted through the hole where the pedal mechanism is usually located.
This system is an option for those with a pedal or paddle kayak, and can’t be used on kayaks without a center hole.
Some kayak manufacturers will make a whole optional system including the motor. A good example is the Old Town Sportsman Autopilot 120 which shows what a collaboration between kayak-maker and motor manufacturer can produce.
4 – Bow Mount
Another method you’ll see in many cases is the bow mount kayak motor. This mounting system looks similar to a bass boat bow mount system but the motor on the kayak has a shorter shaft and the system itself is tailored to fit a kayak.
How Do You Attach An Electric Motor To A Kayak?
To attach a trolling motor to a kayak, you should have a mount. A mount makes the motor installation easy and fast. Mounts come in two forms; off-the-shelf kits and homemade kits. Below we have discussed the two in detail to assist you in deciding on one.
A. Off-the-Shelf Kit
Just as the name is, the off-the-shelf kit is the amount that you buy from the store. The off-the-shelf kit is expensive more so when you compare it with the homemade one.
On another note, when it is installed properly, it makes the kayak long-lasting and easy to steer.
Before you can decide on buying an off-the-shelf kit, there are some factors you should consider so that you pay for a perfect mount. Below are the crucial factors, read through them to familiarize y with them.
1. Shock Absorption
The mount you buy should absorb all the vibrations that are released by the motor. In case you experience vibration difficulty after installing a mount, it means the kayak will not run smoothly, so you should replace the mount.
Proper shock absorption is significant, especially when you are attaching a powerful engine to your kayak.
- Construction Materials
The materials used to construct a mount greatly determine the mount’s durability. Therefore, you should buy a mount that is made up of rustproof and waterproof materials.
The rustproof and waterproof features will lengthen the life of the motor, and you will not encounter several technical problems.
- Easy Installation
Consider buying a straightforward mount. On most occasions mount sellers don’t offer after-sale services of mounting, so you are the one who will install the mount.
- Kayak Compatibility
Choose a mount that is compatible with your boat to avoid incurring extra costs of changing the mount’s dimensions in an attempt to fit it perfectly. Incompatible mounts affect the performance of a trolling motor.
For you to quickly buy a compatible mount, consult with mount sellers to get proper guidelines. In case you are buying online, consider checking the reviews from buyers of the mount you wish to buy so that you find out if they found the mount compatible.
B. Homemade Mounting Kits
Homemade mounting kits are simple to construct. However, you should have the DIY skills to design them well. You will require to use most of the components of your boat; for instance, the rod holders will hold the mounting poles.
When creating a mount, the necessities for an off-the-shelf kit also apply.
The mount you build should be able to take up all the vibrations that are released by the motor. Moreover, make sure you use durable materials to create a mount that perfectly fit your kayak.
If you encounter difficulties while constructing a mount at home, be sure to seek assistance. You can call a mechanic to direct your work.
Given that it is optional to mount a trolling motor on a kayak, there are some safety tips you should consider for proper maintenance of the engine.
1. Never allow children or unauthorized persons to operate the motorized kayak because they can damage the electric outboard motor.
2. Avoid submerging the entire kayak while kayaking because water damages the motor. If the kayak capsizes, you should disconnect the battery from the engine and leave it till it fully dries.
3. After you have installed the trolling motor, don’t try modifying it, for instance, by adding incompatible accessories because it damages the engine.
4. When tightening the mounting bracket, avoid over-tightening because it can break the motor’s fiberglass shaft.
5. Whenever you are operating a motorized kayak , wear a personal floatation device, generally known as a life jacket. The tool helps to keep your head above the water if you happen to fall off as you kayak. The life jacket is very convenient during cold conditions since they keep you warm.
What Should I Look For In A Trolling Motor Battery?
A battery is a central element for the trolling motor to function. It powers the motor system, thus allowing proper kayak steering. You should aim at buying a good quality deep marine battery when you are sourcing for a trolling motor battery.
For instance, it is highly recommended to purchase a cell with a high amp hour rating.
The high amp hour rating gives you a longer run time. Nonetheless, never think of utilizing a car battery in your electric trolling motor system.
Deep cycle marine batteries can be recharged once they run out of power. To lengthen the life of the battery, you should recharge after every use. Be sure to give your battery a proper charging; otherwise, it will fail to serve you.
For proper charging of the battery
1. Make sure you brush off any corrosion around the terminals before connecting it to a charger. Corrosions establish weak connections between the charger and the battery.
2. Utilize a proper charger that is meant for charging a deep cycle battery. A proper charger works best in ensuring that the battery is fully recharged within a short period.
3. While using a deep cycle battery, make sure you discharge it properly. As soon as you are done using the battery, charge it.
Just like any other device, maintenance is fundamental for the battery to last for years. The following are recommendations you should practice to lengthen the life of your deep cycle battery.
1. Disconnect the terminals of the battery whenever it is not in use.
2. Keep the battery’s terminals free from debris and corrosion.
3. Never leave the battery for long in discharged condition. Make it a habit to charge your battery as soon as you come back from kayaking.
4. When connecting several terminals, never connect old batteries to new ones. Old batteries will discharge the new ones.
5. Whenever you are storing the deep cycle battery for extended periods, connect it to a trickle charger. The trickle charger will continually add a charge to the battery. Therefore, it will prevent the battery from staying discharged for long.
6. In case you are using an unsealed battery, be sure to take note of the water levels. Refill it to the mark using distilled water when it is needed.
Final Thoughts
Once you attach a trolling motor to your boat, steering will take to another level. You will get to enjoy the waters at different dimensions. You should give your engine a proper cleaning every time you come back from the shore.
Moreover, you can read through all the maintenance tips we have highlighted to keep your motor up to a decade.
